Binder systems for microcapsule treatments to fibers, fabrics and garments

ABSTRACT

A binder system for applying microcapsules to textile materials includes microcapsules in a binder composition. The binder composition includes: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of: an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, an amino-silicone softener, and mixtures thereof; an (ii) a component selected from the group consisted of: a global type wrinkle resistant resin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamide, a curable silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof. Methods for making the binder system as well as methods for applying the binder system to textile materials are also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to binder systems that can be used to bindmicrocapsules to textile materials, to textile materials containing suchbinder systems, and to methods of making binder systems as well asmethods of applying such systems to textile materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One technique that can be used to enhance performance, aesthetics orother characteristics of fibers or fabrics involves providing a materialor agent, for example a fragrance, in small microcapsules that can thenbe applied to the desired fiber or fabric. Microcapsules typicallycomprise a core, which contains at least one material or agent,surrounded by a thin wall. The material or agent can be released whenmicrocapsule walls rupture or otherwise disintegrate in response toappropriate stimuli, such as temperature, pressure or physical contactwith the wearer's skin.

Microcapsules commonly are applied to textile materials using agentscalled binders. A number of approaches can be used to applymicrocapsules to textile materials using binders. For example, in oneapproach, a textile material is placed in a bath containing bothmicrocapsules and binders followed by heating or drying of the textilematerial. Other approaches involve contacting textile materials withbinders before adding microcapsules. Yet other approaches involvecoating microcapsules with binders prior to applying them to textilematerials. Within any of these approaches, the degree to whichmicrocapsules adhere to a particular textile material is typically afunction of not only the process used but also of the binder material ormaterials selected. Accordingly, the choice of binder materials orbinder system components can be of particular importance in thesuccessful application of microcapsules to textiles.

It can be challenging to incorporate textiles containingmicroencapsulated materials into clothing and apparel. For example, afabric containing microencapsulated materials may not have goodwashfastness or durability, meaning the fabric quickly loses the abilityto retain the characteristic(s) or effect(s) provided by themicroencapsulated material(s) through extended use and/or multiplewashing cycles. In this regard, use of a particular binder may result insignificant variability when applied to different fabric types andstructures, i.e., it may provide good washfastness in some applicationsand poor washfastness in others.

In addition to issues relating to washfastness or durability, fabricscontaining microcapsule finishes may have poor micro dispersability,meaning that the microcapsules have a tendency to coagulate in bunches,thereby increasing the average unit size deposited and decreasing theability of the microcapsules to penetrate and bond in a fabricstructure. Fabrics containing microcapsules may also contain a highratio of binder material to microcapsules, which can add stiffness anddetract from the tactility of the fabric. In addition, a particularbinder composition may contain toxic components that are not easilydisposed of at a processing facility. Alternatively, a particularmicrocapsule/binder combination may not be compatible with otheringredients, such as softeners, that are commonly used in the apparelfabric industry. Finally, a given system of microcapsules and/or bindermaterials may present particular processing difficulties, such asmicrocapsule wall polymers that do not have sufficient thermal stabilityto withstand common textile processing or binder systems that requireextended high temperature cure times that are not efficient in standardprocessing facilities. Accordingly, in applying microcapsules to textilematerials, a need exists for binder components and systems that canaddress one or more of these challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a binder system comprisingmicrocapsules and a binder composition. The binder compositioncomprises: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of: analkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, an amino-siliconesoftener, and mixtures thereof: and (ii) a component selected from thegroup consisting of a glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin, an imidazoletype wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamine, a curable siliconeresin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof. The present inventionfurther relates to methods of making such a binder system as well asfabrics comprising such a binder system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The applicants have discovered that certain binding materials andsystems can be advantageously used in applying microcapsules to fibersand fabrics. In particular the applicants have discovered that certainbinding materials and systems can allow the characteristic(s) oreffect(s) provided by microencapsulated material(s) to be present evenafter extended wear and/or multiple washings by the end user.

Combinations of binder materials that the applicants have found to beparticularly useful for applying microcapsules to fabrics includecombinations of: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of:an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, an amino-siliconesoftener, and mixtures thereof: and (ii) a component selected from thegroup consisting of a glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin, an imidazoletype wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamine, a curable siliconeresin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof.

By “alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt”, it is meant afatty acid amide comprising at least one sulfonate group and at leastone product of a ring opening polymerization reaction of an alkyleneoxide ring, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide. An example ofsuch a material is SAPAMINE CKG, supplied by CIBA Specialty Chemical.

By “amino-silicone softener”, it is meant softeners comprisingpolysiloxanes having aminofunctional groups, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,661,577 and 4,247,592, the entire disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. An example of an amino-siliconesoftener is Kelmar AF 2340 supplied by Kelmar Industries, Inc.

By “wrinkle resistant resin”, it is meant resins that are conventionallyused to form crosslinks within and between cellulosic fibers in fabricscomprised of such fibers, such as cotton. A “glyoxal type wrinkleresistant resin” comprises or is processed through use of a glyoxal typereactant, for example, dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea (“DMDHEU”).DMDHEU is a cyclic condensation product of glyoxal, urea, andformaldehyde that, applied as a wrinkle resistant resin, undergoes ringopening in the presence of heat and acid salts, such as mineral acidsalts, for example, MgCl₂. Examples of glyoxal type wrinkle resistantresins include: CIBATEX RS-PC, a pre-catalyzed low formaldehyde, glyoxaltype DMDHEU supplied by CIBA Specialty Chemicals, and NOVEON FREEREZNTZ, a pre-catalyzed DMDHEU-based resin supplied by Noveon (formerlyB.F. Goodrich).

Other wrinkle resistant resin chemistries include “imidazole typewrinkle resistant resins”, which are based on ring-openingpolymerization of imidazole derivatives. An example of an imidazole typewrinkle resistant resin is CIBATEX RCT, a precatalyzed lower temperaturecure resin supplied by CIBA Specialty Chemicals.

Cationic polyamines can also be used in the present invention. Anexample of a cationic polyamine is Binder ST supplied by CelessenceInternational of the United Kingdom.

Curable silicone or polysiloxane resins can also be used in the presentinvention. These resins are typically made via the ring openingpolymerization of siloxane monomers. The polymers may contain repeatunits with functional groups for further derivatization or they may bereacted to give crosslinks. Such groups can include silanols (Si—OH),silanes (Si—H), and organic unsaturated groups. Examples of siliconeresins include CIBATEX HM-DFS, a crosslinkable silicone supplied by CIBASpecialty Chemicals, Polon MF-56 made by Shin Etsu, 75 SF Emulsionsupplied by Dow Corning, and 2-8818 Emulsion supplied by Dow Corning.

Polyurethane resins can also be used in the present invention. Thesematerials typically comprise the reaction product of diols (di-alcohols)and diisocyanates, and may contain other functional groups which mayfurther crosslink. The stoichiometry of the monomers may be adjustedsuch that the polymer may have endgroups of only the alcohol or only theisocyanate. This product may then be further reacted with an appropriateother monomer to achieve further polymerization or crosslinking onceexposed to the appropriate temperature or pH conditions. An example of apolyurethane resin that can be used is CIBATEX MP-PU supplied by CIBASpecialty Chemicals.

By “microcapsules”, it is meant liquid and/or solid component(s)(“microencapsulated materials”) contained within a shell of anothermaterial. While not limited to any particular shape or material(s), theshell, may, for example, be spherical, and may, for example, comprise atleast one material selected from gelatin, urea-formaldehyde, chitosan,and/or melamine-formaldehyde. Specific examples of shell materialsinclude polymers of poly(methyleneu rea) (“PMU”), poly(oxymethyleneurea) (“POMU”), and poly(oxymethylenemelamine) (“POMM”).

The microcapsules can be produced through any process known or useful inthe art, such as a heterogeneous dispersion process in which the targetmaterial to be encapsulated is dispersed within a continuous phase (suchas water) and the material(s) used for the shell can be dispersed so asto be at the interface of the target encapsulate material and thecontinuous phase. The shell material can then, for example, be“hardened” via polymerization and cross-linking through pH, catalysis,and/or temperature conditions.

The microencapsulated materials that can be used in conjunction with thebinders and binder systems described herein are not limited to anyparticular material or class of materials and include, for example,fragrances, deodorants, skin moisturizers, vitamins, dyes, pigments,antioxidants, acids, bases, bleaches, peroxides, adhesives, catalysts,cosmetic oils, softening agents, elasticity improving agents, waterrepellant agents, insect repellants, heat-proofing agents, flameretardants, anti-shrinking agents, and bacteriostatic agents. Specificexamples of microencapsulated materials that may be used include aloevera, vitamin E, lavender scent, peppermint scent, and sea kelp extract.Specific examples of microcapsules include Peppermint Microcapsules soldby International Flavors and Fragrances (“IFF”), as well as CTA-1 AloeVera microcapsules, CTA-3 Vitamin E microcapsules, and CTA-4 Sea Kelpmicrocapsules, each supplied by INVISTA, S.àr.l.

The types of fabrics that can be used in conjunction with the bindersand binder systems described herein are not limited to any material orclass of materials and include, for example, polyesters,polyester/elastane blends, polyamides, polyamide/elastane blends,cotton, cotton/elastane blends, cotton/polyester blends,cotton/polyester/elastane blends, polyacrylonitriles, celluloseacetates, modal, lyocell, linens, and wool. Particular examples offabrics that can be used include circular knits, warp knits, hosieryknits, socks and wovens.

By “binder system” it is meant a formulation of components that whenmixed and applied to a fabric followed by a thermal treatment to curethe resin, yields a fabric with a microencapsulated component with gooddurability to machine or hand laundering.

The binder systems and fabrics of the invention may include softeners inaddition to those disclosed above. Examples of such softeners include:CIBATEX HM-FE, a silicone emulsion, and CIBATEX HM-DFS, a cross-linkablesilicone, both supplied by Ciba Specialty Chemicals. Other softenersinclude NOVEON Fabritone LT-M8, supplied by Noveon. In addition, thealkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt SAPAMINE CKG,supplied by Ciba Specialty Chemicals, can act as a softener.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises a glyoxal typewrinkle resistant resin and an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkylsulfonate salt. The glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin and alkoxylatedfatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, can be combined by addingappropriate quantities of glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin solutionand alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt solution (by massor volume) into water with good mixing to ensure complete dissolutionand dispersion of the components. A similar procedure can be followedwhen the binder composition comprises other combinations of components,such as the combination of a cationic polyamine and an amino-siliconesoftener.

The binder composition can then be combined with microcapsules to form abinder system by adding the appropriate quantity of microcapsule slurryto water with good mixing to ensure completely homogeneous dispersion ofthe microcapsules into the water. This diluted microcapsule dispersioncan then be added to a larger volume mixture of binder compositioncomponents and water. This formulation can then be mixed well to give ahomogeneous dissolution and dispersion of components to provide an evenapplication of the formulation components to the fabric.

The formulation can then be transferred to a “pad bath” through whichthe fabric can then be immersed followed by removal of excessformulation liquid upon passing through pressure (“nip”) rolls. Thefabric containing the aqueous formulation can then be passed through astenter frame (large oven) to dry the fabric and thermally cure theresin.

Fabrics falling within the scope of the present invention can be used ina variety of applications, including but not limited to athleticapparel, intimate apparel, hosiery (such as sheer pantyhose and socks),ready-to-wear, and swimwear. These fabrics have unexpectedly improvedwashfastness (wash durability) and ability to retain the desired effectprovided by the microencapsulated material. For example, when themicroencapsulated material is a fragrance, fabrics falling within thescope of the present invention have the ability to retain the fragrance,even after numerous washings and extended wear by the end user.

Provided below are methods used to test the wash durability of thefabrics produced in the examples which follow, as well as methods usedto test the ability of the fabrics to retain a microencapsulatedfragrance.

Test Methods

For the wash durability testing method, a machine wash cycle with warm(40° C.) water was followed by a cold rinse (room temperature water)using American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (MTCC) WOBStandard Powder Detergent. The fabric was dried by hanging at roomtemperature.

In performing the wash durability testing method, the prepared fabricsamples were cut into swatches (approximately 10 inch by 10 inch forExamples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5, and approximately 14 inch by14 inch for Example 4). The samples were stored in individual plastic(polyethylene) sealed bags prior to testing. Each prepared fabric samplewas taken out of its bag and allowed to “air-out” for approximately fiveminutes. The fabric samples were then rated by the amount of scentdetected as judged by a human evaluator. In Examples 1-3 and ComparativeExamples 1-5, each human evaluator rated the amount of scent detectedaccording to the following scale: very strong scent, strong scent, scentpresent, low scent, very low scent, and no scent detected. In Example 4,each human evaluator rated the amount of scent detected according to thefollowing numerical scale: 5—very strong scent, 4-strong scent, 3—scentpresent, 2—low scent, and 1—no scent detected.

The testing procedure was conducted as follows:

First, the fabric samples were rated “as is” without aggressive handlingor rubbing. Next, the fabrics were handled and elongated (to rupturemicrocapsules) and rated again. The fabric was then washed as describedabove, with a cut of the fabric taken at the appropriate wash cycle. Thesample cut was allowed to air dry prior to evaluation. Concurrently, theremaining fabric was washed in additional laundering cycles until thenext sample was taken, and so on. The samples were then evaluated at upto 0 (no wash, as processed), 1, 5, 10, and 15 wash cycles.

The invention may be further illustrated in view of the followingexamples:

EXAMPLES

In the examples that follow below, all mixtures were made at ambienttemperatures (˜25° C.).

Example 1 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

To about 1000 grams of water was added about 900 grams of CIBATEX RS-PCglyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin. To this mixture was added about675 grams of SAPAMINE CKG alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonatesalt. The mixture was stirred well, either by hand or with an overheadstirrer. About eleven grams of glacial (99%+) acetic acid was then addedto the mixture with stirring. This mixture was then added to about10,314 grams of water. The container which had contained the mixture wasthen rinsed with about 100 grams of water and this rinse water was addedto the main mixture.

Preparation of Microcapsule Slurry

To about 900.25 grams of water was slowly added about 99.75 grams ofPeppermint Microcapsules (ideally this addition was done with constantstirring via an overhead mixer or laboratory blender to achieve the mosthomogeneous dispersion). This diluted peppermint microcapsule dispersionwas added to the main formulation mixture. To the container used for thedilution of the Peppermint microcapsules was added about 1000 grams ofwater to rinse the remaining contents. The about 1000 grams of water wasthen added to the main formulation mixture to result in a total mass ofabout 15,000 grams (about 15 kg or approximately 15 liters (L)).

Application to Fabric

The approximately 15 L of the formulation was transferred to a pad bathreservoir. A fabric sample comprising a 100% polyester knit, having afabric weight of about 190 grams per square meter was then passedthrough the pad bath through a series of rollers followed by passingthrough rubber coated rolls set at a pressure setting of 1.5 tonsresulting in a wet pick-up of about 110% (i.e., about 210 grams offormulation was picked-up by one square meter of the fabric). The fabricwas then dried and the resin formulation cured by passing through astenter frame oven set at 177° C. for 120 seconds.

Formulation for Example 1

The formulation parameters for Example 1 can be summarized as follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RS-PC-   45 g/L SAPAMINE CKG-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   177° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 1, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 1 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation  0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong  1 Strong Very Strong  5 Present Strong 10 LowPresent 15 Not detectable Very Low/Low

Example 2

Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except CIBATEX RCT, animidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, was used instead of CIBATEXRS-PC glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin. In addition, the fabric wasdried and the resin formulation cured by passing through a stenter frameoven set at 165° C. for 120 seconds rather than 177° C. for 120 seconds.

Formulation for Example 2

The formulation parameters for Example 2 can be summarized as follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RCT-   45 g/L SAPAMINE CKG-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   165° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 2, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 2 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation  0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong  1 Strong Very Strong  5 Present Strong 10 LowPresent

Example 3 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except CIBATEX RS-PC glyoxaltype wrinkle resistant resin was used with both SAPAMINE CKG and CIBATEXHM-FE softener.

Formulation for Example 3

The formulation parameters for Example 3 can be summarized as follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RS-PC-   30 g/L CIBATEX HM-FE-   20 g/L SAPAMINE CKG-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   177° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 3, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 3 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Strong Very Strong 5 Present Strong

Comparative Example 1 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except CIBATEX RS-PC glyoxaltype wrinkle resistant resin was used without SAPAMINE CKG.

Formulation for Comparative Example 1

The formulation parameters for Comparative Example 1 can be summarizedas follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RS-PC-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   177° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 4, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 4 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Present Strong 5 Very low Present

Comparative Example 2 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except CIBATEX RS-PC glyoxaltype wrinkle resistant resin was used with CIBATEX HM-FE softener andwithout SAPAMINE CKG.

Formulation for Comparative Example 2

The formulation parameters for Comparative Example 2 can be summarizedas follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RS-PC-   30 g/L CIBATEX HM-FE-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   177° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 5, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 5 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Present Strong 5 Very low Present

Comparative Example 3 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except CIBATEX RS-PC glyoxaltype wrinkle resistant resin was used with CIBATEX HM-DFS, across-linkable silicone softener, and without SAPAMINE CKG.

Formulation for Comparative Example 3

The formulation parameters for Comparative Example 3 can be summarizedas follows:

-   60 g/L CIBATEX RS-PC-   20 g/L CIBATEX HM-DFS-   0.75 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   177° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 6, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 6 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Present Strong 5 Very low Present

Comparative Example 4 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except SAPAMINE CKG was usedwithout CIBATEX RS-PC. In addition, the fabric was dried by passingthrough a stenter frame oven set at 120° C. for 120 seconds rather than177° C. for 120 seconds.

Formulation for Comparative Example 4

The formulation parameters for Comparative Example 4 can be summarizedas follows:

-   40 g/L SAPAMINE CKG-   0.5 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   120° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 7, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 7 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Very Low Low 5 Not detectable Very Low

Comparative Example 5 Preparation of Main Formulation Mixture

The procedure for Example 1 was followed except SAPAMINE CKG was usedwith CIBATEX HM-FE softener and without CIBATEX RS-PC. In addition, thefabric was dried by passing through a stenter frame oven set at 120° C.for 120 seconds rather than 177° C. for 120 seconds.

Formulation for Comparative Example 5

The formulation parameters for Comparative Example 5 can be summarizedas follows:

-   40 g/L SAPAMINE CKG-   20 g/L CIBATEX HM-FE-   0.5 g/L glacial acetic acid-   6.65 g/L Peppermint Microcapsule-   120° C. cure for 120 seconds

Testing

The intensity and durability of the microencapsulated scent treatmentwas evaluated by the testing procedure described above. The results wereas shown in Table 8, representing the consensus of two human evaluators.TABLE 8 Number of Machine Scent without Rubbing or Scent with RubbingWash Cycles (hang dry) Elongation or Elongation 0 (As Treated) VeryStrong Very Strong 1 Very Low Low 5 Not detectable Very Low

As can be seen by contrasting Examples 1-3 with Comparative Examples1-5, fabric samples that contained the combination of SAPAMINE CKG plusa second component selected from CIBATEX RS-PC and CIBATEX RCT resultedin improved wash durability as compared to samples that (1) containedSAPAMINE CKG without either second component or (2) contained a secondcomponent without SAPAMINE CKG. The presence of certain softenermaterials, such as CIBATEX HM-FE or CIBATEX HM-DFS, did notsignificantly impact wash durability.

Example 4

In Example 4, a formulation according to the invention and fivedifferent comparative formulations were tested on four different fabrictypes.

Example 4 Inventive Formulation 4

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,10 grams of a 25% solution of binder of Binder ST was added to themixture. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes at high shear, then themixed speed was adjusted to a slow stirring rpm and 10 grams of KelmarAF 2340 amino-silicone softener was added to the solution whilestirring. The stirring was continued for 2 minutes, and then thesolution was transferred to a second container where is it was furtherdiluted to a final volume of 1.0 liter with water having a pH of 5.5.This solution was used as-is for treating small fabric samples.

Comparative Formulation 4A

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,10 grams of a 5% solution of Devabound C, supplied by Devan, was addedto the solution, followed by 10 grams of a 25% solution of binder ofBinder ST. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes, then further dilutedto a final volume of 1.0 liter with water having a pH of 5.5. Thismixture was used as-is for the treatment of fabric samples on a labpadding and oven framing equipment manufactured by Roaches InternationalLtd.

Comparative Formulation 4B

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,10 grams of a 25% solution of binder of Binder ST was added to themixture. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes, then further diluted toa final volume of 1.0 liter with water having a pH of 5.5. This mixturewas used as-is for the treatment of fabric samples on the lab paddingand oven framing system manufactured by Roaches International Ltd.

Comparative Formulation 4C

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,10 grams of silicone binder solution, Shin Itzu KM2002, supplied by theShin-Etzu Silicones of America, was added to the mixture. The mixturewas stirred for 3 minutes. The stirring was continued for 2 minutes, andthen the solution was transferred to second container where it wasfurther diluted to a final volume of 1.0 liter with water having a pH of5.5. This solution was used as-is for treating small fabric samples.

Comparative Formulation 4D

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,the following silicone binders and catalyst were added to the mixture inorder: 10 grams of DC2-8818, 2.5 grams of DC 75SF, and 1 gram of DC 62,all supplied by Dow Corning Corporation. The stirring was continued for2 minutes, and then the solution was transferred to second containerwhere is it was further diluted to a final volume of 1.0 liter withwater having a pH of 5.5. This solution was used as-is for treatingsmall fabric samples.

Comparative Formulation 4E:

10 grams of Peppermint Microcapsules was added to about 500 grams ofwater adjusted to a pH 5.5 with constant stirring in a laboratoryblender to achieve a homogeneous dispersion. While continuously mixing,the following silicone binders and catalyst were added to the mixture inorder: 10 grams of DC 1101, 2.5 grams of DC 75SF, and 1 gram of DC 62,all supplied by Dow Corning Corporation. The stirring was continued for2 minutes, and then the solution was transferred to second containerwhere is it was further diluted to a final volume of 1.0 liter withwater having a pH of 5.5. This solution was used as-is for treatingsmall fabric samples.

Application to Fabric

Inventive Formulation 4 and Comparative Formulations 4A-4E were tested(except as indicated in Table 9) on four different fabric samples, A, B,C, and D. Fabric Sample A was a 100% polyester knit fabric, having abasis weight of 190 grams per square meter and a wet pick up ofapproximately 110%. Fabric Sample B was an elastified cotton knit fabricmade with 50 count single yarns having a basis weight of 165 grams persquare meter and a wet pick up of approximately 102%. Fabric Sample Cwas an elastified polyester tricot knit construction consisting of 150denier 100 filament polyester yarns having a spandex content of 8% 40denier LYCRA® spandex, a basis weight of 195 grams per square meter, anda wet pick-up of approximately 91%. Fabric Sample D was a nylon warpknit construction consisting of 40 denier 13 filament nylon yarn havinga spandex content of 22% 54 denier LYCRA® spandex, a basis weight of 165grams per square meter, and a wet pick up of approximately 70%. Each ofthese fabric samples was immersed into each of the above solutions tocompletely wet the fabric with the solution. Each sample was then fedthrough padder squeeze rolls, and then placed on a pin frame and enteredinto a frame forced air oven for drying and curing. For InventiveFormulation 4 and Comparative Formulations 4A and 4B, the oven airtemperature was set to 110° C. and the dwell time was set to 3 minutes.For Comparative Formulations 4C-4E, the oven air temperature was set to165° C. and the dwell time was set to 3 minutes.

The results of the evaluation are shown in Table 9: TABLE 9 Fabric Type/A B C D Number of Washes 0 5 10 15 0 5 10 15 0 5 10 15 0 5 10 15Inventive 5 4.5 4.25 4 5 4.5 4 3.5 Not tested 5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Form. 4Comparative 5 4 3.5 3 5 2.5 2.5 2 Not tested 5 2.5 2.5 2 Form. 4AComparative 5 3.5 3 2 5 4.25 3.75 3 5 4.5 4 4 5 2.5 2 2 Form. 4BComparative 5 4 4 3 5 2.5 2.5 2.5 5 3.75 2.5 2.5 5 2.5 2.5 2 Form. 4CComparative Not tested 5 3.5 3.5 3 5 3 2.8 2.5 5 3 3 3 Form. 4DComparative 5 3.5 3 3 5 4 3.5 3 5 3.5 3 3 5 2.5 2 2 Form. 4E

While all the fabrics retain some scent through to 15 wash cycles, thefabrics treated with the Formulation consistently showed the best scentretention. Further, these fabrics showed the softest tactile hand.

1. A binder system comprising microcapsules and a binder composition,wherein the binder composition comprises: (i) a component selected fromthe group consisting of: an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkylsulfonate salt, an amino-silicone softener, and mixtures thereof; and(ii) a component selected from the group consisting of: a glyoxal typewrinkle resistant resin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, acationic polyamine, a curable silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, andmixtures thereof.
 2. The binder system of claim 1, wherein the bindercomposition comprises: (i) an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkylsulfonate salt; and (ii) a component selected from the group consistingof: a glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin, an imidazole type wrinkleresistant resin, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The binder system of claim 1,wherein the binder composition comprises: (i) an amino-siliconesoftener; and (ii) a cationic polyamine.
 4. A method of making a bindersystem comprising microcapsules and a binder composition wherein themethod comprises combining said microcapsules with a binder compositioncomprising: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of: analkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, an amino-siliconesoftener, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a component selected from thegroup consisting of: a glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resin, animidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamine, a curablesilicone resin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the binder composition comprises: (i) analkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt; and (ii) a componentselected from the group consisting of: a glyoxal type wrinkle resistantresin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, and mixtures thereof.6. The method of claim 4, wherein the binder composition comprises: (i)an amino-silicone softener; and (ii) a cationic polyamine.
 7. A fabriccomprising microcapsules and a binder composition, wherein the bindercomposition comprises: (i) a component selected from the groupconsisting of: an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, anamino-silicone softener, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a componentselected from the group consisting of: a glyoxal type wrinkle resistantresin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamine,a curable silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof. 8.The fabric of claim 7, wherein the binder composition comprises: (i) analkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt; and (ii) a componentselected from the group consisting of: a glyoxal type wrinkle resistantresin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, and mixtures thereof.9. The fabric of claim 7, wherein the binder composition comprises: (i)an amino-silicone softener; and (ii) a cationic polyamine.